Patentable/Patents/US-11983981
US-11983981

Electronic gaming machine having a reel assembly with a supplemental image display

PublishedMay 14, 2024
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Inventorsnot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

A gaming system including a housing and a reel assembly supported by the housing, the reel assembly including a frame, a plurality of individually rotatable reels supported by the frame, and one or more supplemental image displays supported by the frame and associated with the rotatable reels.

Patent Claims
13 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the first lights of the first light arm and the second lights of the second light arm are positioned at transversely offset positions relative to each other.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a lighting system designed to improve visibility and safety in environments where multiple light sources are used, such as in vehicles or industrial settings. The system addresses the problem of overlapping or misaligned light beams, which can create blind spots or uneven illumination. The invention includes a first light arm with multiple first lights and a second light arm with multiple second lights. The first and second lights are positioned at transversely offset positions relative to each other, ensuring that their beams do not overlap and provide comprehensive coverage without gaps. This offset arrangement allows for precise control over the illumination area, reducing glare and improving visibility. The system may also include a controller to adjust the intensity or direction of the lights dynamically, further enhancing adaptability to different conditions. The invention ensures that the light beams from the first and second arms complement each other, eliminating shadows and improving overall illumination efficiency. This design is particularly useful in applications requiring high visibility, such as automotive headlights or industrial lighting systems.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first light arm transversely extends between the two rims of the reel.

Plain English Translation

A system for managing light distribution in a reel-based apparatus addresses the challenge of efficiently illuminating or detecting objects on a rotating reel. The reel has two rims and a cylindrical surface, and the system includes a first light arm that extends transversely between the two rims. This arm is positioned to direct light toward the reel's surface or to receive light reflected from it. The light arm may be adjustable or fixed, depending on the application, and can include one or more light sources or sensors. The system may also incorporate additional components, such as a second light arm or a support structure, to enhance functionality. The primary function is to ensure uniform illumination or detection across the reel's surface, which is critical for applications like printing, inspection, or material handling. The transverse extension of the light arm ensures full coverage of the reel's width, preventing gaps in illumination or detection. The design may also include mechanisms for adjusting the arm's position or angle to accommodate different reel sizes or operational conditions. This approach improves efficiency and accuracy in processes that rely on precise light-based interactions with the reel.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the reel further comprises a second light arm transversely extending between the two rims of the reel, the second light arm comprising a plurality of selectively illuminable second lights configured to rotate in the first orbit such that the second lights co-act with the first lights to cause the player perceivable image to be displayed.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a gaming reel mechanism designed to enhance visual effects in gaming machines. The problem addressed is the limited dynamic visual feedback provided by traditional reels, which often rely on static symbols or simple lighting effects. The solution involves a reel with multiple light arms that create a rotating, player-perceivable image through coordinated illumination of lights. The reel includes two rims and at least one light arm that extends transversely between them. This light arm contains a plurality of first lights arranged to rotate in a first orbit. These lights are selectively illuminable to form part of a dynamic image. Additionally, a second light arm extends transversely between the rims, also containing a plurality of second lights that rotate in the same orbit. The second lights co-act with the first lights to complete the image, allowing for more complex and visually engaging displays. The coordinated illumination of both sets of lights creates a unified, moving image that enhances player interaction and entertainment value. This design improves upon prior art by providing a more immersive and dynamic visual experience.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the first lights of the first arm and the second lights of the second arm are positioned at transversely offset positions relative to each other.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a lighting system with multiple arms, each equipped with lights, where the lights on one arm are transversely offset from the lights on another arm. The system is designed to improve illumination coverage, reduce shadows, or enhance visual effects in applications such as stage lighting, architectural lighting, or industrial inspection. The transverse offset positioning ensures that the lights on different arms do not align directly, allowing for more uniform light distribution or targeted illumination from different angles. The arms may be adjustable to vary the offset distance or angle, providing flexibility in lighting configurations. The system may also include control mechanisms to independently adjust the intensity, color, or direction of the lights on each arm. This design helps avoid overlapping light paths that could create hotspots or uneven lighting, making it suitable for environments requiring precise or dynamic illumination. The transverse offset may be fixed or adjustable, depending on the application. The invention addresses the problem of inefficient or uneven lighting in multi-arm systems by optimizing the spatial arrangement of the lights.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first lights of the first light arm are positioned under a portion of a reel strip of the reel.

Plain English Translation

A system for illuminating gaming reels in slot machines or similar gambling devices addresses the challenge of enhancing visual appeal and player engagement. The invention involves a reel assembly with a light arm positioned to illuminate specific portions of a reel strip. The light arm includes multiple lights that are strategically placed beneath a section of the reel strip to create targeted lighting effects. This configuration allows for dynamic lighting patterns that can highlight symbols, animations, or other visual elements on the reel, improving the overall gaming experience. The lights may be adjustable in intensity, color, or timing to produce various visual effects, such as pulsing, fading, or synchronized sequences. The system may also integrate with other components, such as sensors or controllers, to trigger lighting effects based on game events, player actions, or predefined sequences. By positioning the lights beneath the reel strip, the invention ensures that the illumination is directed precisely where needed, minimizing light spill and enhancing the clarity of the visual display. This approach improves the aesthetic and functional performance of gaming machines, making them more attractive to players.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The method of claim 1, wherein a portion of the reel strip of the reel defines openings for the first lights of the first light arm.

Plain English Translation

A gaming machine includes a reel strip with openings that allow light from a first light arm to pass through. The reel strip is part of a rotating reel mechanism, and the openings are positioned to align with the first light arm at specific intervals during rotation. The first light arm emits light that illuminates the reel strip, and the openings in the reel strip allow this light to pass through, creating a visual effect. The reel strip may also include symbols or other visual elements that are illuminated by the first light arm. The openings are strategically placed to enhance the visual display, such as by creating patterns or highlighting certain symbols. The reel strip may be part of a mechanical or electromechanical reel system, and the light arm may be fixed or adjustable to control the illumination effect. The openings can be of varying shapes and sizes to produce different lighting effects. This design improves the visual appeal of the gaming machine by dynamically illuminating the reel strip in coordination with its rotation.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the first light arm is configured to only rotate when the reel rotates.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for controlling the movement of a light arm in a fishing reel mechanism. The problem addressed is the need to synchronize the rotation of a light arm with the rotation of a fishing reel to improve functionality and user experience. The system includes a fishing reel with a rotatable reel and a light arm that is mechanically linked to the reel. The light arm is configured to rotate in response to the rotation of the reel, ensuring that the light arm moves in coordination with the reel's operation. The light arm may be used to illuminate or indicate the position of the reel or to provide other visual feedback to the user. The mechanical linkage ensures that the light arm only rotates when the reel rotates, preventing unintended movement and improving the reliability of the system. The invention may also include additional features such as adjustable positioning of the light arm or multiple light arms to enhance functionality. The system is designed to be integrated into existing fishing reel designs with minimal modification, making it practical for widespread adoption.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the first reel comprises a third light arm comprising a plurality of selectively illuminable third lights.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for enhancing gaming machines, particularly slot machines, by incorporating dynamic lighting effects to improve player engagement and visual appeal. The invention addresses the need for more immersive and interactive gaming experiences by integrating programmable light arms with multiple light sources that can be selectively illuminated to create customizable visual displays. The first reel of the gaming machine includes a third light arm, which comprises a plurality of third lights that can be individually controlled to produce various lighting patterns, sequences, or effects. These lights may be used to highlight reel positions, indicate winning combinations, or synchronize with game animations. The system allows for real-time adjustments to the lighting based on game events, player actions, or predefined sequences, enhancing the overall aesthetic and interactive experience of the gaming machine. The third light arm may be positioned at a specific angle or orientation relative to the reel to optimize visibility and impact. This lighting system can be combined with other light arms and mechanisms to create a cohesive and dynamic visual display that attracts and retains players. The invention improves upon traditional static lighting by providing a more flexible and responsive lighting solution tailored to modern gaming environments.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the first lights of the first light arm and the third lights of the third light arm of the first reel are positioned at transversely offset positions relative to each other.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a gaming machine with a reel mechanism designed to enhance visual effects and player engagement. The system includes multiple reels, each with at least two light arms positioned at different angles. The first light arm has a set of first lights, and the third light arm has a set of third lights. These lights are arranged at transversely offset positions relative to each other, creating a staggered or non-aligned pattern. This offset positioning allows for dynamic lighting effects as the reels spin, improving the visual appeal and immersive experience for players. The lights may be used to highlight symbols, create patterns, or synchronize with game events. The staggered arrangement ensures that the lighting effects are more visually distinct and less repetitive, enhancing the overall aesthetic and functionality of the gaming machine. The invention aims to provide a more engaging and visually stimulating gaming experience by optimizing the placement and alignment of lights on the reels.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The method of claim 13, wherein each of the light arms transversely extends between two rims of the reel.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for managing optical fibers in a reel-based deployment involves a reel with multiple light arms that extend transversely between the rims of the reel. The reel is designed to store and organize optical fibers, ensuring efficient deployment and retrieval. The light arms provide structural support and alignment for the fibers, preventing tangling and damage during winding and unwinding. The transverse extension between the rims ensures uniform distribution of the fibers across the reel's width, optimizing storage density and reducing stress on the fibers. This configuration enhances the reel's ability to handle high-speed deployment and retrieval operations, particularly in applications requiring precise fiber management, such as telecommunications, data centers, or industrial automation. The light arms may also incorporate features to guide or secure the fibers, further improving operational reliability. The system addresses challenges in fiber organization, such as entanglement, misalignment, and mechanical stress, which can degrade performance and increase maintenance costs. By integrating the light arms into the reel structure, the invention provides a robust solution for managing optical fibers in demanding environments.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. The method of claim 13, wherein each of the light arms connects two spaced apart rims of the reel.

Plain English Translation

A system for managing light arms in a reel assembly addresses the challenge of efficiently distributing and securing light arms within a reel structure. The invention involves a reel with multiple spaced-apart rims, where each light arm is connected to and spans between two of these rims. This configuration ensures structural stability and proper alignment of the light arms, preventing misalignment or damage during operation. The light arms may be adjustable or fixed, depending on the application, and can be used in various lighting systems, such as stage lighting or industrial illumination, where precise positioning and secure attachment are critical. The reel design allows for easy deployment and retraction of the light arms while maintaining their structural integrity. The spaced-apart rims provide support at multiple points, reducing stress on individual connections and enhancing durability. This method improves the reliability and functionality of lighting systems that require adjustable or retractable light arms.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the spaced apart portions of the reel strip of the reel defines openings for the lights of each of the light arms.

Plain English Translation

A reel mechanism for a gaming machine includes a reel strip with spaced-apart portions that define openings. These openings are positioned to align with lights from light arms, allowing the lights to illuminate specific areas of the reel strip. The reel strip is part of a reel assembly that rotates to display symbols for a game. The light arms are positioned adjacent to the reel and emit light through the openings in the reel strip, enhancing visual effects during gameplay. The openings are strategically placed to correspond with the lights, ensuring precise illumination of desired sections of the reel. This design improves the visual presentation of the gaming machine by dynamically highlighting symbols or other features on the reel strip. The reel mechanism may also include additional components, such as a motor to drive the reel and sensors to detect its position. The overall system enhances player engagement by providing dynamic lighting effects synchronized with the reel's movement.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The method of claim 13, wherein the lights of a plurality of the light arms are positioned at transversely offset positions relative to each other.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a lighting system designed to improve illumination uniformity and coverage in a given area. The system addresses the problem of uneven lighting distribution, which can create dark spots or glare in environments such as warehouses, sports facilities, or outdoor spaces. The solution involves a modular lighting apparatus with multiple light arms, each equipped with adjustable lights. The lights on these arms can be positioned at transversely offset positions relative to each other, allowing for precise control over the direction and spread of light. This offset positioning helps eliminate shadows and ensures consistent illumination across the target area. The system may also include mechanisms for adjusting the angle and intensity of the lights, further enhancing customization. The modular design allows for easy installation and scalability, making it suitable for various applications where uniform lighting is critical. The invention aims to provide a flexible, efficient, and cost-effective solution for large-scale lighting needs.

Classification Codes (CPC)

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Patent Metadata

Filing Date

May 26, 2021

Publication Date

May 14, 2024

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